This image could be a startling sight for an American. However, this Good Friday procession in Bilbao, Spain was first celebrated in 1554, when the arrival of a splinter from Christ’s cross led to the founding of the brotherhood of the Vera Cruz. The hats and robes worn by the brotherhood are not connected with the KKK and date back centuries before the clan was formed. As a sign of penance many members of the brotherhood walk barefoot during the procession as they carry heavy floats that depict scenes from the Bible.